ICAO strengthens air transport’s global framework for net-zero carbon emissions and sustainable development
ICAO is issuing a series of news releases to announce the broad range of outcomes from the Assembly. These are all available at icao.int/newsroom.
ICAO strengthens air transport’s global framework for net-zero carbon emissions and sustainable development
Unprecedented unity with all Member States supporting environmental resolutions without any reservations for the first time.
Montréal, 3 October 2025 — The International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly has accelerated aviation’s transition to a more sustainable and decarbonized future by achieving broader global cooperation, strengthening the international framework, and laying the groundwork for increased investment.
The decisions made by the Assembly directly support the implementation of ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050. This long-term plan aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions from international air transport, building on a Resolution adopted by States at the 2022 Assembly session.
Key outcomes of the Assembly include:
Commitment to cleaner energy, with States endorsing the ICAO Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels, and other cleaner energy sources. This includes endorsement of the Framework’s collective target of 5% CO₂ reduction by 2030 and the policy, regulation, support, and financing pathway it provides for achieving it.
Accelerated investment, with the Assembly calling for the full operationalization of the ICAO Finvest Hub. This Hub will connect decarbonization projects with public and private investors. It aims to address financing challenges, particularly in developing countries, by facilitating greater access to climate finance.
Strengthened commitment to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the world’s only global market-based measure for international aviation. The Assembly reaffirmed the scheme’s environmental integrity and committed to increasing support to States through the ACT-CORSIA programme. CORSIA is on track and continues to progress with enhanced participation and expanded coverage.
Sustainability beyond carbon, with the Assembly advancing work on issues including aircraft noise, local air quality, single-use plastics, and non-CO₂ climate effects.
Enhanced resilience and accelerated adaptation, with States acknowledging the urgent need for stronger scientific input, strengthened international cooperation, and updated guidance on climate risk assessment and infrastructure resilience to adapt aviation infrastructure and operations to climate-related impacts. States also recognized the role of aviation in disaster response, such as forest firefighting operations.
The decisions taken by the Assembly will provide crucial momentum to real and measurable progress led by ICAO on environmental sustainability. This progress is demonstrated by increasing numbers of States submitting Action Plans on CO2 Emissions Reduction Activities (154, up from 133 in 2022), increasing voluntary participation in CORSIA (now 130 States), and a growing number of sustainable aviation fuel plants worldwide.
The broader participation and stronger commitments of these Resolutions also send a resounding signal to governments, industry, and investors alike: the global aviation community is united and determined to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Resources for Editors
42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly
ICAO Strategic Plan 2026 - 2050
About ICAO
Leading international civil aviation as a crucial driver of social and economic development, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is accelerating progress towards zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions in air transport for everyone, everywhere, in line with its Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2050. ICAO works with its 193 Member States and all air transport stakeholders to develop standards and policies for international civil aviation and undertakes planning and capacity building activities to support their implementation by Member States.
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